Tearing At The Seams

THROW-BACK SOUTHERN STYLE R&B

After a solo career as a Denver-area folky, Rateliff reworked his act and got huge. A 2014 review in ZK says, “Folk, singer/songwriter… sounds like Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, Lumineers.” Now Paste magazine says he’s “a soul shouter with a big, gruff voice and a band that cooked.” I thought his breakout hit (“S.O.B.”) was a gimmick. But this album is legit and very good. Big ensemble includes guitars, organ, lots of horn, drums, singers. RIYL Alabama Shakes, Amy Winehouse, Stax in the ‘70s. Lyrics in booklet.

No FCC issues.

1 Mid-tempo. Band sets a funky groove. Lots of brass, bari sax, organ. (4:44)
2 * Mid-fast. Energetic. Trumpets & piano. Pleading to be treated better. (3:39)
3 ** Mid-tempo. Sweet, soulful love song. Great big hook of a chorus. Nice organ. (3:11)
4 ** Mid-tempo. Uplifting song about climbing out of a hole. Great accompaniment. (3:23)
5 Mid-slow. A dull song about a strained mom-son relationship. Guitar, saxes, organ. (4:01)
6 ** Slow. Very soulful, Ray Charles-like ballad, complete with piano & Raelettes. (3:05)
7 Mid-fast. The name implies an opening number. Sounds like a warm-up. (4:19)
8 Mid-tempo. Big band R&B about getting back together. Not bad, not great. (4:02)
9 ** Mid-fast. Funky, energetic, fun. Think 60s dance song like the Watusi. (2:55)
10 Mid-fast. Throttling down the energy level. Not bad, not one of the best. (3:34)
11 * Mid-slow. Gentle love song. Very nice singing. Dylan-esque rhythm. Pretty. (4:53)
12 *** Slow. Percy Sledge-style burner. Rhythm guitar & organ sound like the MGs. (5:14)